NCJ Number
155995
Date Published
1992
Length
55 pages
Annotation
This report analyzes the policy behind Canada's Young Offenders Act of 1994 and recommends changes in both law and procedures.
Abstract
The discussion notes the relatively steady increase in the number of juvenile offenses during the 10-year period from 1981 to 1990; violent crime has increased at the greatest rate. The data in Edmonton are consistent with national data and indicate both that a small fraction of youth commit a significant number of crimes and that many crimes are committed by children under age 12, the age of legal responsibility. These data suggest that the Young Offenders Act is ineffective in addressing juvenile delinquency. Therefore, numerous changes are needed in both laws and procedures. These changes should focus on the right to counsel, sentencing, juvenile detention, juvenile corrections policies, juvenile court waiver, the age of legal responsibility, meeting the needs of children and families in crisis, prosecution, child welfare, social services, truancy programs, and parental responsibility laws. Figures and tables